VA/FHA appraisal preparation
Review visible property concerns with buyers or sellers before the appraiser arrives.
Open the appraisal checklist and PDFMike Alkema · Michigan mortgage broker · NMLS #642953
Oakland County Realtor Tools & Mortgage Resources
Before you give up on the financing, let’s look at the scenario.
Have an Oakland County buyer with a financing question? Start with the property type, the obstacle and the deadline. I can help you work out what needs a closer look, so you and your buyer have a clearer next step.
CALL/TEXT MIKE — 616-319-1640 · Text Mike
Based in Grand Rapids. Serving Oakland County and Michigan borrowers.
What is standing between your buyer and the next step?
Have a buyer whose financing doesn’t fit neatly in the first lender’s box? Before changing the house, the price or the buyer’s expectations, let’s see whether another lending structure solves the problem.
For an Oakland County scenario, start with the city, property type, financing deadline and general obstacle. I can help separate a documentation question from a property issue or lender-specific restriction. Leave borrower names and sensitive financial information out of the initial message.
Something useful for your next buyer or listing conversation
Pre-approval education
Help a buyer understand documentation and the difference between a payment target and a maximum approval.
Prepare before house huntingFirst-time buyer resources
Keep local assistance separate from lender options and confirm which provider can arrange a program.
Oakland County first-time buyer guideRenovation financing
Ask whether an eligible purchase-and-repair structure merits review before assuming repairs must be paid entirely in cash.
Review Michigan renovation optionsA mortgage second opinion
Bring the specific reason for concern and the deadline. Another approach may warrant review, but approval is never promised.
Get a mortgage second opinionVA offer education
Discuss costs, property review and benefit questions without relying on old assumptions.
Oakland County VA financingA buyer likes the condo. Does the financing fit the project?
For a condo in Novi, Troy, Southfield or another Oakland County community, send the legal project name and property address. A buyer’s pre-approval does not establish that every unit or project will meet the selected program’s requirements.
Ask the association or management contact about the documents the lender needs, including dues, insurance and any assessment or project issue requiring review. The requirements vary by program; do not label a project eligible merely because a different buyer closed there.
Use the conventional guide, FHA guide and VA guide to start the program-specific discussion.
Before you negotiate, make sure the payment fits.
A seller’s current tax bill can create a misleading payment estimate after a Michigan ownership transfer. Confirm the parcel jurisdiction and ask for an appropriate post-purchase tax estimate. Include insurance and association dues when comparing two homes.
For buyers considering homes in different communities, keep the financing assumptions consistent. Separate a seller credit, price reduction and lender credit rather than presenting them as interchangeable savings.
Here is all I need to start the conversation.
- Property city and type: detached home, condo or another structure.
- Purchase or refinance, approximate timing and the next contract deadline.
- The general issue: income documentation, available cash, property condition, appraisal or an existing quote.
- Whether a secure follow-up is needed for the lender’s written findings.
Do not send Social Security numbers, account numbers or borrower financial documents through ordinary email or text. I can provide the appropriate secure route. See all Michigan Realtor resources.
Questions you may be asking
Can Mike discuss an Oakland County buyer before there is a signed contract?
Yes. Start with the buyer’s general situation and target property type, then use the secure application process when a documented pre-approval is needed.
Can the county grant be quoted as a Leeward Point option?
No. The Independent Bank partnership is an outside program. Refer the buyer to the official county information and verify the provider and current funding.
What if an Oakland County appraisal identifies repairs?
Obtain the actual finding and discuss the selected loan program with the lender. The checklist is educational, not a waiver or a substitute for the appraiser’s findings.
Can a second opinion save a closing?
It may identify an option worth reviewing, but no deadline or approval can be guaranteed. Share the actual obstacle promptly so the next step is based on the file rather than assumptions.
Have a buyer scenario you would like me to look at?
Tell me the property city and type, the general financing obstacle and the deadline. Leave borrower names and private financial details out of the first message. I will help identify what to review next and provide a secure route if documents are needed.
More help for your next step
Oakland County mortgage hub · Mortgage options · First-time buyers · VA loans · Realtor tools
Educational information reviewed September 11, 2026. Loan programs, funding and eligibility can change. Individual borrower, property and lender requirements apply.